Juniors Getting After the Quarterback in Illinois
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<p>As the regular season winds down, the Class of 2026 is starting to make its mark in the backfield. These five junior pass rushers have consistently collapsed pockets, changed games, and put opposing quarterbacks on the run. Their production stands out — and so does their upside at the next level.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Noah Crandall – Harlem</strong></h3>
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<p>Crandall has been a problem off the edge all season long. Leading all juniors with <strong>10 sacks</strong>, he's racking up pressure every single week. His motor runs hot, and his ability to finish plays has made him a centerpiece of Harlem's defense. Crandall isn't just getting home — he's doing it with consistency, averaging <strong>1.4 sacks per game</strong>.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Juelz Baker – Richards</strong></h3>
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<p>Few players are having a more explosive impact in limited games than Baker. With <strong>9 sacks in just 5 contests</strong>, he's averaging nearly <strong>2 sacks per game</strong>, a pace that's hard to match. He fires off the ball fast, wins with quickness, and has shown the kind of burst that translates to the next level. When Baker gets going, quarterbacks don't have much time to breathe.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607066' first='Malik' last='Mazyun'] – Cahokia</strong></h3>
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<p>Mazyun has quietly built a strong season as one of the most productive defensive playmakers in southern Illinois. His <strong>8 sacks</strong> have helped set the tone for Cahokia's front seven. He plays with a physical edge, sheds blocks well, and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. That blend of power and consistency makes him a name to know moving forward.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jaydenn Moore – Pittsfield</strong></h3>
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<p>Moore has been a steady force up front, matching Mazyun with <strong>8 sacks on the year</strong>. He's shown the ability to win with leverage and power, collapsing pockets from multiple alignments. His presence has helped Pittsfield's defense create negative plays and get off the field on third down.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jacob Duncan – Dupo</strong></h3>
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<p>Duncan has put together one of the strongest junior campaigns in the Metro East area. He's tied with Moore and Mazyun with <strong>8 sacks</strong>, showing off great pursuit and relentless effort. Duncan plays with a physical edge that wears down opposing linemen and creates momentum-changing plays.</p>
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As the regular season winds down, the Class of 2026 is starting to make its mark in the backfield. These five junior pass rushers have consistently collapsed pockets, changed games, and put opposing quarterbacks on the run. Their production stands out — and so does their upside at the next level.
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